Michael Honsel

Background

About Michael Honsel

I am a former Rigging Lead at Pixar Animation Studios, with over a decade of experience contributing to a world-class animated feature film pipeline. During my time at Pixar, I earned a VES (Visual Effects Society) award for Outstanding Animated Character, showcasing my ability to push the boundaries of creativity and technical excellence. My background spans multiple areas, from rigging and modeling to scripting and tool development, allowing me to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where teamwork and creative problem-solving are essential. Over the last three years, I made the leap back to school studying physics and am currently completing my thesis on improving the training of deep neural networks (DNNs) using entropic methods inspired by statistical physics. This shift allows me to blend my deep knowledge of animation and visual effects with advanced physics and machine learning techniques, providing a unique perspective on complex technical challenges. Looking ahead, I am focused on opportunities with an ML/AI aspect, where I can apply my cross-disciplinary expertise to innovative projects that bridge the gap between science, technology, and creativity. Specialties: • Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence • Deep Neural Network Training & Optimization • Python, PyTorch, LaTeX, Mathematica • Data Analysis & Statistical Physics • Rigging & Animation Pipelines • Animation & Visual Effects (VES Award Winner) • Scripting / Tool Development • Cross-Disciplinary Problem-Solving • Team Leadership & Collaboration • Time Management & Organization Skills • Language Proficiency in both German and English